Planta Med 2015; 81 - PW_137
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1565761

Analysis of antidepressant properties of some Papaver species by in vivo and in vitro methods

OML Bayazeid 1, F Yalcin 1, M İlhan 2, H Karahan 3, E Kupeli-Akkol 2, P Kelicen-Ugur 3, T Ersoz 1
  • 1Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey
  • 2Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
  • 3Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey

The genus Papaver is represented by 37 species in Turkish flora [1]. Some species have been used for the treatment of several diseases such as inflammation, diarrhea, and sleep disorders, as well as used as antidepressant in some regions of Anatolia [2 – 4]. Six Papaver species (P. lacerum, P. syriacum, P. macrostomum, P. glaucum, P. rhoeas and P. commutatum) were collected from different localities of Turkey. Methanolic extracts prepared from the aerial parts of the plants were first tested for the presence of alkaloids by using classical Dragendorff's reagent and TLC analysis. Methanolic extracts were then subjected to in vivo analysis for their antidepressant activity [5]. P. lacerum and P. syriacum extracts which may contain higher amount of alkaloids, at doses of 100 mg/kg p.o significantly antagonized the ptosis and motor depression (p < 0.001) induced by tetrabenazine and also shortened the immobility time in the forced swimming test (p < 0.01). Imipramine was used as positive control in both tests. In order to understand the mechanism of the antidepressant activity extracts will be subjected to SH-SY5Y cell lines and BDNF expression levels will be evaluated [6].

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